My name is Jakub Lučivjanský, I am 16 years old, and I live in Spišská Nová Ves, Slovakia. Basketball has been a part of my life since I was a child. My older brother played basketball in high school, and he introduced me to the game. We used to play together at a local outdoor court near our house. The „practices“ weren’t serious, it was mostly about spending time together and having fun. But this is how my love for basketball was born, without me even realizing it at first.
In elementary school, I used to play basketball after school with friends or practice alone. I played in a few local tournaments, but it wasn’t anything serious. At that time, basketball was just a hobby, but I already knew I truly loved the game.
I started taking basketball more seriously a few years ago when I joined my local club, Spišskí Rytieri. At first, it was tough. I had started later than most of my teammates, so they were ahead of me in skills and experience. But I didn’t give up. I didn’t let the struggles, the fatigue or mockery stop me. Since then, I’ve been working hard every day, focusing on training, fitness, recovery, and self-improvement.
Since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by American culture, their way of life, and most of all – American basketball. It has always been my dream to study and play basketball at a school in the USA.
Now, that dream is starting to come true. I have just been accepted to a private school called Combine Academy in North Carolina where young athletes from all over the world study, train, and work towards playing at the college level. I’ve been preparing for this opportunity for a long time, and when I received the email saying I had been accepted, I was extremely happy.
Coming from a family that cannot afford a private school abroad, I know this is a life-changing opportunity, but I can’t do it without your help. That’s why I am launching this fundraiser and reaching out to parents, athletes, teachers, philanthropists, and all kind-hearted people who may be able to support me. Your help could truly change my life and bring me closer to playing basketball in high school (and one day hopefully college) in the USA.
Please help me take this first step towards my dream and show that a boy from Slovakia can achieve great things. Every donation and every share means the world to me.
What will the funds be used for?
Combine Academy is a private boarding school, and because of that, it comes with significant costs. The school combines high-quality education with a professional sports program, allowing me to grow both as a basketball player and as a student.
The total cost for one academic year is $32,175 (about €28,200). This covers tuition, housing, meals, training, travel during the school year, school and sports equipment, and health care. On top of that, I’ll need to cover flights, visa fees, and food during away games.
This is a large amount that my family cannot afford on our own, which is why every bit of support counts.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT – my first payment of $9,675 (about €8,480) is due by June 30, 2025. This includes the initial deposit, first tuition installment, and administration fees. Reaching this first milestone as soon as possible is crucial!
If you can help, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign, I will be deeply grateful.
If I raise more than the needed amount, every extra euro will be used strictly for my education and athletic development, such as travel costs, school supplies, or a second year of study if I can continue.
If I don’t reach the full amount, no funds will go to waste. I will use everything raised as a foundation and continue seeking other ways to make this dream a reality.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single supporter! ❤️